Summer offers excellent fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains. As the water temperature has risen since Spring, the large hatches we saw then are gone. Food for trout has changed and you must change your tactics. The water is warmer and the trout are hungry.

The mayflies are lighter in color. The Light Cahill is a great pattern to use. Small yellow stoneflies called Yellow Sallies are on the water during the day and in more numbers just before dark. Trout turn to terrestrials like ants, beetles and worms, including the sourwood worm for food. Nymphs are active and abundant. The lack of insects hatching and mating requires the trout to adapt.

The fly patterns you see below are our best sellers for the Smoky Mountains and Southern Appalachians during the Summer because they perform year after year.

Yellow Sally stonefly patterns or Yellow Stimulators in size #16 are an excellent choice. The Green Weenie works well. Mayfly and stonefly nymphs produce. Our most popular dry fly, the Neversink Caddis in yellow is an excellent choice. Ants and beetles are other flies you should have in your fly box.

If the water is low, use lighter tippet, smaller flies and nymphs without flashy beads. Please enjoy this wonderful time of year. Plan to hike into a backcountry brookie stream. Summer is a great time to fly fish in the Great Smoky Mountains.